We look forward to welcoming you to our AGM on Wednesday, 18th June at The Hub in Edinburgh. Robert Crawford, EDAS Chair launches our new vision, and welcomes this year’s guest speaker Derek Mackay MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Local Government and Planning.
The Meeting is followed by the EDAS Annual Conference - ‘Our Economy – Beyond the Referendum: Developing a Route Map for Common Ambition’ - the single most important conference we have hosted to date. Book Now!
"In a year when it's hard to talk of anything in Scotland except the referendum, this event is a timely reminder that Scotland has other choices to make too, and that these will still be there for us on 19 September, regardless of what happens the day before."
Hosted by writer and broadcaster, Keith Aitken, the conference aims to address two key questions - what economy should we aim to create and what needs to be done to achieve this outcome? Sharing their visions are, Henry McLeish, Former First Minister, author and academic; Ben Thomson, Chair of Reform Scotland; and Robin McAlpine, Director, The Jimmy Reid Foundation.
Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive of the European Policy Centre in Brussels, addresses how these visions sit within a global economy.
Following lunch and our Indyref Fringe with Amanda Harvie, speaking on behalf of Better Together and Ewan Hunter, speaking on behalf of Business for Scotland/Yes Scotland (the only session that does defer to views on the outcome on 18th September), Keith Aitken sets out provocations to begin the process of building our 'route map for common ambition'.
Through a mix of facilitated table discussions, interviews with facilitators and expert panelists; and electronic voting, opinions are captured on the key areas of policy focus for the route map. The Expert Panel includes, Fiona Fraser, Business Development Manager, Women’s Enterprise Scotland, Lucy McTernan, Deputy Chief Executive, SCVO, Karen Yeomans, Head of Service (Development Planning), North Ayrshire Council.
Commentator and journalist, Iain Mccwhirter draws a thought provoking close to the day, with an insight into the big economic challenges Scotland faces, regardless of September's outcome.
Delegates are encouraged to attend the PubAffairs Scotland event which follows the Conference on the Royal Mile.
The PubAffairs Team invites you to the PubAffairs Scotland event supported by Indigo and in association with ASPA following the Conference at Hemma Bar, Edinburgh from 6pm to 9pm.
The event presents an opportunity for relaxed and informal networking within the Scottish public affairs industry, bringing together practitioners from all aspects of public affairs and wider communication functions with political officers and civil servants.